Chapter 231: Asking for Help in the Firmest Tone
"It's just that Mr. Stark hasn't refunded my eleven months of rent yet."
"He wanted to give me a break, but I felt that taking nearly a year off would make me lazy."
"So I asked him for a refund, and he decided to bring me along instead, to take care of his daily life and some work."
"After working for eleven months, I'll return to the Elite Hotel."
"Nothing happened like what you're imagining, Senior Sonya."
Lalatina calmly explained the situation in a soft, gentle voice, like a spring breeze, fully aware of what Senior Sonya was implying.
After learning some of the rules of Void Island from Senior Sara, she realized she had entered a rather unusual place. However, living here wouldn't be that easy for someone like her.
"I see. Well, for now, you can stay with Sara," Sonya said, understanding.
"Sara's place isn't far from Mr. Stark's lab. You two can commute together."
As Sonya listened, she imagined how Tony must have reacted when asked for a refund and immediately understood the situation.
"Sounds good! I've been stuck at home every day after work with no one to hang out with," Sara said cheerfully, happy to have a companion.
Sonya was youthful and radiant, Sara was seductive and beautiful, and Lalatina's appearance was dignified and elegant, making her seem more mature. However, Lalatina was the youngest of the three, only twenty years old.
Because of this age gap, competition between them during their time at the Elite Hotel hadn't been too fierce.
"But Mr. Stark asked me to learn about the situation from Senior Sara first, then have her take me to his lab," Lalatina said, tempted by the invitation but hesitant to agree immediately.
She wasn't worried that Mr. Stark would do anything inappropriate. After spending a month at the Elite Hotel, she had come to understand his personality. Despite his flamboyant nature, Tony was easy to get along with and never forced women into anything they didn't want to do.
Tony's rules for interacting with women were based on mutual consent. Unlike some wealthy men she had encountered, who believed that having money meant the world should revolve around them, Tony didn't behave in such a domineering way.
"Alright then, let's go talk to Mr. Stark together in a bit," Sonya said, thinking that Tony might already have plans in place for Lalatina's accommodation.
After all, Tony had brought her back, so it made sense to discuss things with him.
"Let's go now!" Sara said excitedly, hearing that Sonya would be joining them.
"Senior Sara, aren't you the only staff member at this Records Temple?"
"Can you just leave like that?" Lalatina asked, puzzled.
"Yeah, I'm the only one here. But if I want to leave, I can just hang up a sign," Sara replied casually as she quickly scribbled on a piece of paper.
After over a month of working at Void Island, Sara had grown accustomed to the island's lifestyle. There were days when she would sit in the Records Temple all day without receiving a single report.
So she understood why Senior Sonya would allow her to leave after putting up a sign.
Lalatina glanced at the sign Sara had written and read it out loud:
"Currently en route to Tony Stark's lab. If you need me, follow the road to Tony Stark's lab or find me at my destination…"
Lalatina was a little stunned after reading the sign.
"Void Island isn't as strict as the Elite Hotel," Sonya explained.
"Once you get used to it, you'll understand. Now, let's go and check in with Mr. Stark."
With that, a slightly bewildered Lalatina was led away by Sonya and Sara.
As they walked, Lalatina noticed several superpowered individuals. They all greeted Senior Sonya and Senior Sara warmly.
The difference, however, was that they showed more respect when addressing Senior Sonya, almost as if they were speaking to a superior. But when they greeted Senior Sara, it was much more casual, like friends exchanging pleasantries.
As for Lalatina, they gave her a few curious glances, sizing her up without saying anything.
"Walking with Senior Sonya is always like this—people watching you everywhere you go. It's like being the center of attention," Sara remarked, noticing Lalatina's quiet demeanor.
"But don't worry, Lalatina, they're looking at Senior Sonya, not us."
"What do you mean 'not us'? They're just curious because another woman has arrived on the island," Sonya replied, casting a glance at the community forum, which was already buzzing with gossip.
"Can anyone tell me who that elegant and refined woman walking with Miss Sonya and Miss Sara is?"
"Tony Stark: That's someone I brought back from the Elite Hotel after staying there for a month. Impressive, huh?"
"Hercules (Kael): Tony, you sly dog. You've been missing for a month, and we haven't seen you on the island."
"Hercules (Kael): I thought you'd gone back to Earth, but you were secretly staying at the Elite Hotel for a month without inviting me?"
"Tony Stark: What do you mean secretly? I've been enjoying myself and don't have time to chat in the group all day. Plus, you're from Xandar, so you've probably been to the Elite Hotel before, right? If you didn't mention how nice it was, that's on you."
"Hercules (Kael): Sure, I'm familiar with the Elite Hotel, but only in name!"
"Hercules (Kael): I'd love to go, but a single night costs 10,000! And to stay in the best rooms, it's even more—tens of thousands per day."
"Hercules (Kael): Ten to twenty thousand per day! Not everyone makes money as easily as you do, Tony."
"Hercules (Kael): Is this the joy of being rich?"
"You should've told me earlier. If you'd said something, I would've taken you along."
"But it's not too late now. Next time, I'll bring you along, okay?"
Back in his lab, Tony smiled as he read Kael's complaints in the group chat.
Kael quickly replied: "Alright, you said it, not me. I'm not begging you."
The Seer saw Kael's response and couldn't help but feel embarrassed. Using such tough words to ask Tony for a favor was indeed a bit shameful.
However, the Seer also quietly added: "Don't forget me next time."